Warp yarn feeding means for warp knitting machines



Nov. 4, 1947. F. LAMBACH 2,430,022

WARP YARN FEEDING MEANS FOR WARP KNITTING MACHINES Filed Jan. 4, 1945 ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 4, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WARPl YARN FEEDIN G MEANS FOR WARP KNITTING MACHINES 9 Claims.

My invention relates to warp knitting machines, and more particularly to a device for feeding warp yarn to the knitting implements of a warp knitting machine.

Modern warp knitting machines are being built for receiving warp beams of a diameter larger than that of warp beams used in hitherto conventional warp knitting machines. Obviously, the increase in the diameter of the warp beams results in an increase of the weight thereof, and it has been found in practice that the force to overcome the inertia of such a warp beam of large diameter may be greater than the combined tensile strength of the yarns, especially of fine yarns, which intermittently pull upon the warp beam during thev interval of a release of the beam brake coupled with the warp beam, so that a breakage of yarn occurs.

An object of my invention is to provide a warp knitting machine with a device, which permits the use of warp beams of large diameter and prevents a breakage cf yarns when they pull upon the warp beam.

Another object of my invention is to provide a warp knitting machine with a device, which automatically assists iny feeding yarns to the knitting implements upon and during a release of the beam brake in response to a pulling action of the knitting implements on the yarns.

A further object of my invention is to provide a warp knitting machine with a device for feeding yarn tothe knitting implements in above described manner, which is independent of the main driving shaft and` is free from mechanical elements which could jam with the result of a breakage of needles pulling on the yarns.

Still another object of my invention is to improve upon the construction of warp knitting machines as now ordinarily made.

It is understood that the term warp beam used in the specication and claims indicates a single warp beam or an assembly of warp beams composed of a plurality of sectional warp beams.

Furthermore, it is understood that the term torque motor used in the specification and claims refers to a motor with high starting torque which may be loaded to such a degree that a stoppage occurs without anV undue heating of the parts of the motor.

With the above and other objects of the invention in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of various devices, elements and parts, as set forth in the claims hereof, an embodiment of the same being described in the specification and being illustrated in the accompanying drawings form-ing part of this specification, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the upper portion of a warp knitting machine equipped with feeding devices according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a feeding device and its coupling with the top warp beam, and

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatical illustration of a Wiring system including the main motor of the warp knitting machine and the torque motor of the feeding device.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, l0 generally indicates the frame of a warp knitting machine, i2 indicates atop warp beam, I4 indicates a lower warp beam, and I6 generally indicates knitting implements of the machine. The knitting implements are actuated in a manner known per se by mechanisms driven by a main cam shaft I3 (see Fig. 3) rotatedv by a main motor 2li. The yarns 22 supplied by the top warp beam l 2 to the needles 24 travel around a tensioning rod 26 held by arms 28, keyed to a shaft 30, journ-alled in the frame Il] of the warp knitting machine. Likewise, the yarns 32 supplied by the lower warp bea-m I4 to the needles 24 travel around a tensioning rod 36. carried by armsv38,-keyed to a shaft 40, journalled in the frame of the machine,

The top warp beam I2 is coupled through a suitable mechanism with the drum 42 of abeam brake, generally indicated by 44. For example, this mechanism including the gear segments 45 in mesh with a pinion 48, keyed to the shaft 50, carrying the drum 42 may be of the type shown in the U. S. Patent 2,376,364, relating to "An assembly of beams and aconstruction for the connection thereof with parts of a warp knitting machine, issued to Fritz Lamback on May 22, 1945. Spring 52 stretched between the free ends of brake shoes 54, swingably mounted at 56, tend to press said brake shoes against said drum for causing a braking action. A spreader, generally vindicated by 58, is in operative engagement with said springloaded brake shoes 54 for an automatic release of the beam brake 44 at predetermined times for predetermined intervals. Said spreader includes a pair of spreading elements each of which' is swingably mounted at 62. The short arm of each spreading element li()y is slidably engaged with a bolt 64, secured to a brake shoe 54, and the long arm of each spreadingelement 60 is slidably engaged with a cam-like surface 6a of an actuating element 68. Said actuating element 68 is arranged for intermittent reciprocating movements substantially in the direction of its longitudinal aXis. For this purpose, one end of said actuating element G8 is pivotally connected at '1G with an arm 12, swingably mounted on the frame at 2'4, and the other end of said actuating element 68 is pivotally engaged at T6 with an arm '58, secured to the shaft 30, connected with the arm 28, carrying the tensioning rod 26, Furthermore, a lever Sii is keyed to said shaft 38. Said lever 8! has a bore 82 slidably engaged with a rod 84, rigidly secured to the frame of the machine at 86. One end of a sleeve S8 slidably mounted on said rod 84 contacts said lever 80, the other end of said sleeve 38 is in engagement with a compression spring 93, placed around the rod 84. The opposite end of said spring 99 abuts against adjusting means 92, mounted on the rod 84 for adjusting the tension in the spring.

As will be apparent from above, as long as the actuating element 68 and the spreader 58 are in the position, shown in Fig. 1, the springs 52 apply the brake shoes 54 on the brake drum 4.2, so that the brake 44 applies a braking action on the top warp beam 2 through the medium of the gear connection 4B, 48. Furthermore, the yarns 22, drawn from the top warp beam |2 and engaged with knitting implements |6 are held under a certain tension by means of the spring 86, acting on the tensioning rod 26 through the medium of the lever 86, shaft 30 and arms 28. During the operation of the warp knitting machine, the knitting implements I6 cause intermittent pulling actions on the yarns 22. Such a pulling action results in a rocking movement of the arms 28, carrying the tensioning rod 26, in clock-wise direction against the action of the spring 96. Said rocking mov-ement of the arms 28 in turn causes a movement in left-hand direction of the actuating element 58, which results in an actuation of the spreader 58, whereby the brake is released to a certain degree against the action of the springs 52. Now, the yarns 22 pull upon the top warp beam l2, which is free for rotation and feeds a supply of yarns to the knitting implements during the release of the brake 44. As soon as the tension in the warp yarns 22 is decreased, the spring 96 causes a movement of the arms 28 carrying the tensioning rod 26 in counter-clockwise direction, whereby the actuating element 58 is moved to the right and the springs 52 may again apply the brake shoes 54 against the brake drum 4Z, so that the braking action of the beam brake 44 on the top warp beam 2 is reestablished, until such time, that the knitting implements |6 cause another one of said intermittent pulling actions on said yarns 22.

If the top warp beam l2 is of a rather large diameter, the force to overcome the inertie. of the warp beam may be greater than the combined tensile strength of the yarns 22, when they pull upon the beam in above described manner, so that a breakage of yarn may occur. According to the invention, the following feeding device is associated with the top warp beam I2, so as to avoid such a. breakage of yarn.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the shaft 92 of a torque motor 94 mounted von a bracket 96 secured to the frame I is coupled with the shaft 58, carrying the brake drum 42 and the pinion 4S of the mechanism connecting the brake 44 with the warp beam l2. During the operation of the warp knitting machine, electric current is constantly applied to the torque generating means of said torque motor 94. As long as the springloaded brake shoes 54 stop the brake drum 42, the

shaft 50 and the warp beam I2, the shaft 92 of the torque motor 94 is likewise stopped, although the torque generating means of the torque motor are under current. However, as soon as the knitting implements I6 cause one of their intermittent pulling actions on the yarns 22, and the brake 44 is released to a certain degree in above described manner, the torque motor 94 drives the top warp beam |2 through the medium of the shaft 50 and gears 46, 48, whereby the torque motor assists in feeding yarn tc the knitting implements and prevents a dangerous high tension in the yarns. The torque motor 94 is capable of driving the top warp beam l2, as long as the brake 44 is released. As soon as the spring causes a return of tho tensioning rod 26 and simultaneously therewith a release of the spreader 58, the springs 52 automatically reestablish the braking action on thc top warp beam 2 and on the shaft 92 of the torque motor 94 until such time, that the knitting implements cause another pulling action on the yarns 22.

As mentioned above, electric current is constantly supplied to the torque generating means of the torque motor 94 during the operation of the warp knitting machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, means are provided for a simultaneous switching on of the main motor of the machine and the torque motor. This feature may be carried out by a mechanical coupling of the switches of the main motor and the torque motor or by a suitable arrangement of the main motor 28 and torque motor S4 in the electrical circuit of the warp knitting machine as diagrammatically illustrated by Fig. 3. According to Fig.

the closing of the switch 98 causes a simultaneous energization of the main motor 2G and the torque motor 94, while the opening of said switch 98 causes a simultaneous deenergization of said two motors.

The warp beams, used in a warp knitting machine may be of different Weights. In order to adjust the torque of the torque motor 94 to the different weights of the warp beams used, an adjustable hand resistor |02 (see Fig. l) is arranged in circuit with the torque motor 94.

The decrease in the diameter of the winding on the beam caused by the drawing of the yarns from the beam during the operation of the warp knitting machine results in a change of the inertia to be overcome by the yarns when pulling upon the beam. In a preferred embodiment of the invention automatic controlling means responsive to a decrease in the diameter of the winding on the beam are arranged for causing an automatic change in the torque of the torque motor in dependence on such a decrease in the diameter of the winding on the beam. According to Fig. 3, for example, a spring-loaded controlling nger |04 pivotally mounted at |06 contacts the winding on the beam I2. An arm |08 connected with said finger |04 is in slidable engagement with a rack l0 in mesh with a pinion i i2, connected with the contact element I6 of a resistor I8 arranged in the circuit of the torque motor 94. As will be readily understood, a decrease in the diameter of the winding on the beam causes an automatic movement of the finger |64 and arm |88 in clockwise direction whereby the point of contact between the contact element HS and the resistance ||8 and consequently the torque of the torque motor 94 is automatically changed.

The lower warp beam |4 supplying the yarns 32 to the knitting implements |6 is coupled with a spring-loaded brake |20 and a torque motor |22 in the same manner as described above in connection with the top warp beam I2, the brake 44 and the torque motor 94. Furthermore, the arms 38 carrying the tensioning rod 36 cause a movement of an actuating element |24 and an actuation of a spreader |26 in the same manner as described above in connection with the arm 28, the actuating elements 68 and the spreader 58. Moreover, means .are provided for a switch ing on of the torque motor |22 simultaneously with the main motor ofthe warp knitting machine, so that current is constantly supplied to the torque motor |22 during the operation of the machine. Therefore, a detailed description of the various mechanisms associated with the lower warp beam |4 is unnecessary, :and it is sucient to state that the torque motor |22 drives the lower warp beam I4 each time upon and during the release of the beam brake |20.

I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, but it is understood that numerous changes and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of a main shaft, a main motor coupled with said main shaft for driving same, a warp beam, a beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements actuated by said main shaft and arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said warp beam, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, means arranged for releasing intermittently said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to such pulling actions, a torque motor, and means for a simul taneous switching on of said main motor and said torque motor, said torque motor being coupled with said warp beam for driving same upon and during such a release of said beam brake.

2. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of: a main shaft, a main motor coupled with said main shaft for driving same, a warp beam, a beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements actuated by said main shaft and arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said warp beam, tensioning means arranged for maintaining the yarns under tension, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, releasing means arranged for releasing said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to an inw crease in the tension in the yarns upon such a pulling action, a torque motor, means for a simultaneous switching on of said main motor and said torque motor, said torque motor being coupled with said warp beam for driving same upon and during such a release of said beam brake, and reestablishing means arranged for reestablishing the braking action of said beam brake on said warp beam in response to a decrease in the tension in the yarns after a driving of said warp beam by said torque motor.

3. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of: a main shaft, a main motor coupled with said main shaft for driving same, a warp beam, a spring loaded beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements actuated by said main shaft Vand arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said warp beam, spring loaded movable tensioning means arranged for maintaining the yarns under tension, releasing means arranged for releasing said beam brake against the action of its spring to a predetermined degree upon an actuation of said releasing means, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, said tensioning means being coupled with said releasing means for an actuation of the latter in response to an increase in the tension in the yarns upon such a pulling action so as to release said beam brake, a torque motor, and means for a simultaneous switching on of said main motor and said torque motor, said torque motor being coupled with said warp beam for driving same upon and during such a release of said beam brake, and said tensioning being capable of rendering inactive said releasing means for reestablishing the braking action of said spring loaded beam brake on said warp beam in response to a decrease in the tension in the yarns after a driving of said warp beam by said torque motor.

4. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of a Warp beam, a beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said warp beam, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, means arranged for releasing intermittently said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to such pulling actions, a torque motor, said torque motor being coupled with said warp beam for driving same upon and during such a release of said beam brake, and automatic electrical controlling means in circuit with said torque motor, said automatic electrical controlling means being responsive to a decrease in the diameter of the Winding on the warp beam so as to change the torque of the torque motor in dependence on such a decrease in the diameter of the winding.

5. Ina warp knitting machine, the combination of: a warp beam, a beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said warp beam, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, means arranged for releasing intermittently said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to such pulling actions, a torque motor, said torque motor being coupled with said warp beam for driving same upon and during such a release of said beam brake, electrical controlling means in circuit with said torque motor, and a movable element arranged for contacting the winding on the warp beam, said movable element being coupled with said electrical controlling means so as to cause an automatic change in the torque of the torque motor in dependence on a decrease in the diameter of the winding on the Warp beam.

6. In a Warp knitting machine, the combination of a warp beam, a beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said warp beam, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, means arranged for releasing intermittently said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to such pulling actions, means capable of generating a torque, said torque generating means including a driving element coupled with said Warp beam for driving same upon and during such a release of said beam brake, said torque generatinry means being constructed for permitting a standstill of said driving element against the action of the generated torque during an application of said beam brake on said Warp beam, the coupling between said driving element and said Warp beam providing for a free movement of said driving element when the beam brake is released, and automatic controlling means associated with said torque generating means, said automatic controlling means being responsive to a decrease in the diameter of the winding on the warp beam so as to change the torque of the torque generating means in dependence on such a decrease in the diameter of the Winding.

7. In a Warp knitting machine, the combination of: a Warp beam, a beam brake associated with said Warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said Warp beam, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, means arranged for releasing intermittently said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to such pulling actions, and torque generating means capable of generating a torque during the open. ion of the machine, said torque generating means being associated with the Warp beam, the latter being movable relative to said torque generating means, said torque generating means being arranged for continuously applying a torque to the warp beam while the machine is running, the braking action of the beam brake on the warp beam acting against the torque applied to said warp beam by the torque generating means, and said Warp beam being driven by said torque generating means upon and during such a release oi the beam brake.

8. In a Warp knitting machine, the combination of c a warp beam, a beam brake associated with said Warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said Warp beam, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, means arranged for releasing intermittently said beam brake to a predetermined degree in response to such pulling actions, torque generating means capable of generating a torque during the operation oi the machine, said torque generating means being associated with the Warp beam, the latter being movable relative to said torque generating means, said torque generating means being arranged for continuously applying a torque to the Warp beam While the machine is running, the braking action of the beam brake on the warp beam acting against the torque applied to said warp beam by the torque generating means, said warp beam being driven by said torque generating means upon and during such a release of the beam brake, and reestablishing means arranged for reestablishing the braking action of said beam brake on said warp beam in response to a decrease in the tension in the yarns after a driving of said warp beam by said torque generating means.

9. In a warp knitting machine, the combination of: a Warp beam, a spring loaded beam brake associated with said warp beam for applying a braking action thereon, knitting implements arranged for engagement with yarns drawn from said Warp beam, spring loaded movable tensioning means arranged for maintaining the yarns under tension, releasing means arranged for releasing said beam brake against the action or" its spring to a predetermined degree upon an actuation of said releasing means, said knitting implements being capable of causing intermittent pulling actions on said yarns, said tensioning means being coupled with said releasing means for an actuation of the latter in response to an increase in the tension in the yarns upon such a pulling action so as to release said beam brake, and torque generating means Capable of generating a torque during the operation of the machine, said torque generating means being associated with the warp beam, the latter being movable relative to said torque generating means, said torque generating means being arranged or continuously applying a torque to the warp beam While the machine is running, the braking action of the beam brake on the Warp beam acting against the torque applied to said Warp beam by the torque generating means, said Warp beam being driven by said torque generating means upon and during such a release of the beam brake, and said tensioning means being capable of rendering inactive said releasing means for reestablishing the braking action of said spring loaded beam brake on said Warp beam in response to a decrease in the tension in the yarns after a driving of said Warp beam by said torque generating means.

FRITZ LAMBACH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the rile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,227,355 Lawson Dec.3l, 1940 2,340,889 Klumpp Feb. 8, 1944 1,986,745 Quick Jan. 1, 1935 2,185,953 Lambach Jan. 2, 1940 2,143,200 Madden Jan. 10, 1939 2,334,053 Bassist Nov. 9, 1943 2,383,562 Plunkett Aug. 28, 1945 2,394,161 Fiorentino Feb.5, 1946 807,721 Carver Dec. 19, 1905 947,344 Nicholson Jan, 25, 1910 2,353,408 Larsen July 1l, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 511,598 Great Britain Aug. 22, 1939 643,613 Germany Apr. 13, 1937 624,642 Germany Jan. 25, 1936 

